a pearl

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   a small, hard, round object, usually white or cream, formed inside the shell of an oyster and used in jewelry.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a pearl', 'two pearls'; use 'pearls' for more than one.

   Patterns

   • a pearl necklace
   • a string of pearls
   • cultured pearls

   She wore a pearl necklace to the wedding.

   The diver found a large pearl inside the oyster.

   These earrings have tiny pearls set in gold.

2. 2nouncountablefigurative

   a piece of useful advice or wisdom, especially in the phrase 'a pearl of wisdom'.

   Grammar: Often used in the fixed phrase 'a pearl of wisdom'; usually singular in this sense.

   Patterns

   • a pearl of wisdom
   • pearls of wisdom

   My grandmother gave me a pearl of wisdom: always be kind.

   He offered a few pearls of wisdom about saving money.

   That advice was a real pearl—I'll remember it.

Word forms

Common combinations

a pearl of wisdom

Her comment was a pearl of wisdom that changed my mind.

pearl necklace

He gave her a pearl necklace for their anniversary.

cultured pearl

These are cultured pearls, not natural ones.

string of pearls

She wore a string of pearls around her neck.

Synonyms and how they differ

gem

A gem is a precious stone like a diamond or ruby; a pearl is organic and comes from an oyster, not a mine.

bead

A bead is a small decorative object with a hole; a pearl is a specific type of bead made by an oyster.

Word family

pearly adjective

resembling a pearl, especially in color or shine.

Commonly confused: a pearl or pearl?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a pearl”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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